1. Choose the correct database
Use the database of databases called GUIDE
Read the GUIDE DESCRIPTIONS for the database chosen
2. Formulate a search
Natural Language: Not the best searching method (Relying on a hidden search algorithm allows the system to make assumptions and decisions about your search unknown to you that will change your results.)
OR
Terms and Connectors: The better method (This method gives you complete control over your searches.)
The system will automatically create plurals (Besides the normal s and es plurals, the system will also automatically search for some irregular plurals (e.g. mouse - mice, woman - women, etc.).)
Use universal expanders (e.g. ! or *) (! (exclamation point) is the unlimited number of characters expander; * (asterisk) is the one character expander)
Be mindful of possible prefixes & suffixes when using expanders (e.g. auto! will return auto and automobile, but also automatic and automation.)
Choose your terms carefully
Use terms-of-art, when relevant, as part of your search to help limit the use of common terms. (e.g. fiduciary duty, strict liability)
Avoid using commonly occurring terms, unless using Segments (e.g. corporation, tort, legal, law suit, liability, etc.)
3. Use Segment limitations
All documents are divided into parts called Segments. (Limiting your search to just a single Segment can dramatically reduce the number of spurious returns.)
Check the number and types of Segments available before searching a database.
Segment limitations formatting: Segment name, no space, and then the search terms within parentheses (e.g. name(smith and brown) ). (New Jersey cases use the following Segments (CITE, COUNSEL, COURT, DATE, DISPOSITION, FULL-NAME, JUDGES, NAME, NUMBER, OPINIONS, OUTCOME, WRITTENBY) )
Date limitations (Acceptable formats include date(m/d/yyyy) and date(mm/dd/yyyy) (there is no need for a zero before single digit months or days).
Name Segment for the parties name searches
Use the and connector between the names (Format name(roe and wade) NOT name(roe v. wade) )
Use the Judges and Counsel Segment limitations (Format judge(sabatino) and attorney(belli) If the last name is common add the first name attorney(melvin w/2 belli) )